McDonagh’s blackly comic adventure The Lonesome West is heading to the Surf Coast.
Now entering its 22nd year of bringing quality and accessible independent theatre to the local community, Torquay Theatre Troupe is set to launch its second production for 2023 with The Lonesome West, premiering on 8 June at the Shoestring Playhouse, Torquay.
The dark Irish comedy written by Academy Award and BAFTA winner Martin McDonagh (Banshees of Inisherin, In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri), tells a simple story of two brothers – Valene and Coleman – in rural Ireland squabbling over the inheritance left by their recently deceased father.
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Stuck in the same house together now that their father has died, old antagonisms, Tayto crisps and religious figurines fan their poteen (bootleg liquor) fuelled hatred to flaring point. Instead of putting the past behind them, they use their apologies as new weapons to open old wounds. The local parish priest and a young girl from the community, also their poteen supplier, attempt to keep the brothers from quarrelling with hilarious and heartbreaking results.
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Brought to the Torquay Theatre Troupe stage by local creative talent Glen Barton, this black tragicomedy is set to be played with sincerity and a wonderful adherence to the accent of western Ireland.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Torquay and working with the Torquay Theatre Troupe. I am a lover of all things Gaelic and honoured to be directing such a talented group of actors and crew to bring this fabulous, complex and macabre play to life,” said Barton.
Taking to the stage will be seasoned Geelong theatre performers Jules Hart, Matthew Bradford as feuding and dysfunctional brothers Valene and Coleman, Torquay Theatre Troupe alumni Lachie Errey as the helpless and mixed-up Father Welsh and making her Torquay Theatre Troupe debut Tess Parker as the fresh and plucky Girleen.
The ensemble will highlight characters that are complicated, yet recognisable and relatable.
See The Lonesome West at Shoestring Playhouse, Torquay, from 8 to 17 June. Tickets on sale here.
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